ACTH Dependent Cushing’s Syndrome: A 72-Hour Trial of Octreotide will Identify Patients with Pituitary Dependent and Ectopic ACTH Overproduction

Aims:To determine whether the use of an octreotide suppression test will reliably distinguish pituitary from ectopic ACTH overproduction. Somatostatin receptors are expressed in NETs, but are downgraded in the pituitary as the result of hypercortisolaemia. Octreotide should therefore lower ACTH and cortisol levels in patients with NETs but not in patients with Cushing’s disease and pituitary tumors. Methodology:A cross sectional study was performed in 13 patents with ACTH dependent Cushing’s (8 women, 5 men) with ages ranging between 21 to 40 years were studied. Serum cortisol concentrations were measured at 0800 hrs before and during the administration of. Octreotide at a dosage of 100 mcg subcutaneously every 8 hours for 72 hours.Results:The serum cortisol concentrations returned to normal in 4 patients who were later documented to have ectopic disease, two with typical bronchial carcinoids and two with pancreatic NETs and metastatic disease. The other 9 patients had no suppression in serum cortisol concentrations and were documented later to have pituitary tumours.Conclusion:These results indicate that a short trial of octreotide will identify patients with ectopic disease as evidenced by a fall inserum cortisol levels whereas in those with Cushing’s disease and pituitary tumours serum cortisol levels remains unchanged. Recommendation: We recommend all patients with ACTH dependent Cushing’s syndrome have an octreotidesuppression test, even if the MRI shows an adenoma, so as to exclude the possibility of a pituitary incidentaloma in a patient with ectopic disease, or false localization from IPSS to the pituitary gland due to ectopic CRH secretion

Radionuclide therapy for pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms / 中国实用外科杂志

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms(pNENs)are the most common neuroendocrine tumors.For early local pNENs,surgery is the main therapeutic strategy and the tumor can be removed completely.But for those pNENs that cannot be surgically removed or have undergone distant metastasis,peptide receptor radionuclide therapy(PRRT)can be chosen as a first-line therapeutic strategy as pNENs overexpress somatostatin receptors.In recent years,clinical trials and studies on the use of PRRT in pNENs have been increasing rapidly.Many reports have confirmed the efficacy of 90 Y and 177 Lu-labeled somatostatin analogue in pNENs patients.

Orbital IgG4 Disease: Imaging Findings on 68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT / 대한핵의학회잡지

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)–related diseases are a spectrum of systemic inflammatory conditions of unknown etiology, which are characterized by infiltration of tissues by IgG4 plasma cells and sclerosing inflammation (Cheuk and Chan Adv Anat Pathol 17:303-32, 2010). Although this condition was initially described in relation to autoimmune pancreatitis, now it has been reported in almost every organ system of body (Zen and Nakanuma Am J Surg Pathol 34:1812-9, 2010, Masaki et al. Ann Rheuma Dis 68:1310-5, 2009). Orbital involvement by IgG4 disease can involve extraocular muscles (EOM), lacrimal glands, conjunctiva, eyelids, infraorbital nerve, orbital fat, and nasolacrimal system (McNab and McKelvie. Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg 31:167-78, 2015, Katsura et al. Neuroradiology 54:873-82, 2012). The basis of using ⁶⁸Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT in IgG4 orbital disease is the known expression of somatostatin receptors in chronic inflammatory cells (Cuccurullo et al. Indian J Radiol Imaging 27:509-16, 2017) and also avidity shown previously in other IgG4-related diseases (Cheng et al. Clin Nucl Med 43:773-6, 2018).

Patologías benignas y variantes que captan 68Ga-DOTATATE en PET/TC / Benign Pathology And Variants With Uptake In 68ga-Dotatate Pet/Ct Studies

Objetivos: Valorar las variantes fisiológicas, anatómicas y lesiones benignas en estudios por tomografía computada por emisión de positrones (PET/TC) con Galio 68 (68Ga)-DOTATATE. Materiales y métodos: Se revisaron en forma retrospectiva los informes de PET/TC con 68Ga-DOTATATE y se seleccionaron aquellos en los cuales se mencionaran palabras en el reporte relacionadas a variantes anatómicas, fisiológicas y tumores benignos. El grado de captación del 68Ga-DOTATATE fue evaluado de forma cualitativa y cuantitativa mediante la medición del valor estandarizado de captación máximo (SUVmax). Se consignó la localización del hallazgo, el valor de SUVmax y la imagen morfológica por tomografía computada (TC). Todos los casos fueron controlados mediante evolución clínica y hallazgos imagenológicos. Resultados: De un total de 772 informes de PET/TC se obtuvo un total de 28 pacientes con 33 variantes o tumores benignos, 14 mujeres y 14 hombres con edad promedio de 63 años. Las captaciones se clasificaron en cuatro grupos: variantes anatómicas y/o fisiológicas (n = 15), dependientes de la actividad osteoblástica (n=4), dependientes de actividad inflamatoria (n = 10) y tumores benignos no neuro-endócrinos (n = 4). Discusión: Los receptores de somatostatina se localizan no sólo en el sistema neuroendócrino sino también en otros tejidos. Las variantes fisiológicas, anatómicas y tumores benignos que expresan estos receptores pueden inducir a un error diagnóstico. Conclusión: Las variantes fisiológicas y lesiones benignas (tumorales e inflamatorias) pueden captar 68Ga-DOTATATE ya que sus tejidos pueden expresar receptores de somatostatina. El análisis semiológico del componente tomográfico de este método de imágenes híbrido, permite la orientación diagnóstica, optimizando el rendimiento del estudio PET/TC.

Purpose: To evaluate the physiological, anatomical variants and benign lesions in positrón emission computed tomography (PET/CT) studies with 68Ga-DOTATATE. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed PET/CT reports scanned with 68Ga-DOTATATE and selected those that contained words in the report related to anatomical, physiological variants and benign tumors. The degree of 68Ga-DOTATATE uptake was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively by measuring the standarized uptake max value (SUVmax value). The anatomical location, SUVmax value and morphological CT image findings were recorded. All cases had clinical and imaging follow-up. Results: From a total of 772 PET/CT reports, 28 patients were obtained with 33 benign variants or tumors, 14 females and 14 males with a median age of 63 years. Uptake patterns were classified into four groups: anatomic and physiological variants (15), dependent on osteoblastic activity (4), dependent on inflammatory activity (10) and non-neuro-endocrine benign tumors (4). Discussion: Somatostatin receptors are overexpressed not only in the neuroendocrine system but also in other tissues. Physiological, anatomical variants and benign tumors expressing these receptors may be misleading. In the present work the frequency of this finding is 5.1%. Conclusion: Physiological variants and benign lesions (tumor and inflammatory) can accumulate 68Ga-DOTATATE since their tissues can express somatostatin receptors. The semiologic analysis of the tomographic component of this hybrid method enhances the diagnostic efficacy, optimizing PET/CT study performance.

Terapia con [ 177 Lu - Dota0 - Tyr 3 ]-Octreotate ( 177 Lu-Dotatate) en pacientes con tumores avanzados de origen neuroendocrino: experiencia inicial y resultados preliminares / Therapy with [ 177 Lu - Dota0 - Tyr 3 ]-Octreotate ( 177 Lu-Dotatate) in Patients with Advanced Neuroendocrine Tumors: Initial Experience and Preliminary Results / Terapia com [ 177 Lu - Dota0 - Tyr 3 ]-Octreotate ( 177 Lu-Dotatate) em Pacientes com Tumores Avançados de Origem Neuroendócrino: Experiência Inicial e Resultados Preliminares

Resumen Objetivo: Mostrar la experiencia inicial y los resultados preliminares de la terapia con [177Lu -Dota0 - Tyr3] - Octreotate (177Lu-Dotatate) en pacientes tratados en la Fundación Cardioinfantil - Instituto de Cardiología (FCI-IC) debido a que la experiencia derivada de esta práctica en países latinoamericanos es poco conocida. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y retrospectivo en pacientes a los que se les realizó terapia con 177Lu-Dotatate con al menos una dosis y un año de seguimiento. Se incluyeron 8 pacientes (4 mujeres y 4 hombres) de edad media: 57 años (50-63). Se administraron 24 dosis en total, 3 dosis en promedio por paciente, 187 GBq totales y 23,5 GBq dosis/paciente. Se valoró la respuesta al tratamiento y la presencia de efectos adversos. Resultados: El tiempo medio de seguimiento fue de 46 meses (26-72 meses). 5/8 pacientes tenían diagnóstico de tumores neuroendocrinos (TNE) de origen pancreático, 2/8 de origen gástrico y 1/8 de yeyuno. 7/8 pacientes tenían compromiso metastásico; 1/8, a pesar de no tener afectación metastásica, fue considerado irresecable. 7/8 pacientes presentaron síntomas posterapia leves y 1/8 eventos adversos serios. 2/8 pacientes tuvieron respuesta parcial, 4/8 enfermedad estable y 2/8 respuesta completa. Sin embargo, al final del seguimiento un paciente que tuvo respuesta completa presentó recaída y otro, respuesta parcial con posterior progresión y muerte. Conclusiones: En la institución, la terapia con 177Lu-Dotatate ha sido segura y eficaz en pacientes con TNE como alternativa terapéutica con adecuados niveles de respuesta y control de la enfermedad con eventos adversos leves, esperables y eventos serios mínimos autolimitados.

Abstract Objective: To Show the initial experience and preliminary results of therapy with [177Lu -Dota0 - Tyr3] - Octreotate (177 Lu-Dotatate) in patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NET) treated in our institution, because the experience gained from this practice in Latin American countries is poorly known. Materials and methods: A descriptive and retrospective analysis in patients who have undergone therapy with 177 Lu-Dotatate with at least one dose and at least one year of follow-up was performed. 8 patients (4 women and 4 men) with a mean age of 57 years (50-63) were included. A total of 24 doses were given, an average of 3 doses per patient. A total of 187 GBq were administered, equivalent to 23.5 GBq / patient. Response to therapy and the presence of adverse short and long term effects were assessed. Results: The average follow-up time was 46 months (26-72 months). 5/8 patients were diagnosed with pancreatic net, 2/8 of gastric origin and 1/8 of small bowel origin. 7/8 patients had metastatic involvement and 1/8 patient despite not having metastasis was considered unresectable. 6/8 patients had mild post-therapy symptoms and 1/8 serious adverse events. 2/8 patients had partial response, 4/8 stable disease and 2/8 had a complete response. At the end of follow-up, however, one patient who had a complete response presented with recurrence and one with partial response showed progression and death. Conclusions: In our experience, therapy with 177 Lu-Dotatate was safe and effective in patients with net as an alternative therapy with appropriate levels of response and disease control and with mild expected adverse events and self-limiting minimum serious events.

Resumo Objetivo: Mostrar a experiência inicial e os resultados preliminares da terapia com [177Lu - Dota0 - Tyr3] -Octreotate (177Lu-Dotatate) em pacientes tratados na nossa instituição, devido a que a experiência derivada desta prática em países latino-americanos é pouco conhecida. Materiais e métodos: Se realizou uma análise descritiva e retrospectiva em pacientes aos que se lhes tem realizado terapia com 177Lu-Dotatate com ao menos uma dose e ao menos um ano de seguimento. Incluíram-se 8 pacientes, idade média de 57 anos (50-63). Administraram-se: 24 doses em total, 3 doses em média por paciente, 187 GBq totais administrados e 23.5 GBq doses/paciente. Valorou-se a resposta ao tratamento e a presença de efeitos adversos. Resultados: O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 45 meses (26-72 meses). 5/8 tinham diagnóstico de TNE de origem pancreática, 2/8 de origem gástrica e 1/8 de jejuno. 7/8 pacientes tinham compromisso metastático e 1/8 paciente apesar de não ter afetação metastática foi considerado irressecável. 6/8 pacientes apresentaram sintomas pós-terapia leves e 1/8 eventos adversos sérios. 2/8 pacientes tiveram resposta parcial, 4/4 doença estável e 2/8 resposta completa. No entanto, no final do seguimento um paciente que teve resposta completa apresentou recaída e outro resposta parcial com posterior progressão e morte. Conclusões: no nosso meio a terapia com 177Lu-Dotatate tem sido segura e eficaz em pacientes com TNE como alternativa terapêutica com adequados níveis de resposta e controle da doença com eventos adversos leves esperáveis e eventos sérios mínimos autolimitados.

Somatostatin Receptors in Lung Cancer: From Function to Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics

Lung cancer is a deadly disease that is difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to treat effectively. Many pathways are known to affect tumor growth, and targeting these pathways provides the cornerstone by which cancer is treated. Somatostatin receptors (SSTR) are a family of G protein coupled receptors that signal to alter hormonal secretion, increase apoptosis, and decrease cellular proliferation. These receptors are expressed in many normal and malignant cells, including both small cell and non-small cell lung cancer. Synthetic analogs of SSTRs are commercially available, but their effects in lung cancer are still largely uncertain. Signaling pathway studies have shown that SSTRs signal through phosphotyrosine phosphatases to induce apoptosis as well as to decrease cell proliferation. Radiolabeled SSTR2 analogs are utilized for radiographic imaging of tumors, which, when combined with positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) may improve detection of lung cancer. These radiolabeled SSTR2 analogs also hold promise for targeted chemotherapy as well as radiotherapy. In this review, we summarize what is known about SSTRs and focus our discussion on the knowledge as it relates to lung cancer biology, as well as discuss current and future uses of these receptors for imaging and therapy of lung cancer.

Clinical Significance of Protein Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 and Somatostatin Receptors in Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the significance of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) overexpression and the expression of somatostatin receptor (SSTR) subtypes in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and forty-seven cases of GEP-NET, comprising 86 foregut and 156 hindgut primary NETs, and 5 metastatic NETs in the liver, were studied retrospectively with immunohistochemistry for COX2, chromogranin A, Ki-67, SSTR1, SSTR2, and SSTR5. RESULTS: COX2 overexpression was observed in 54%(126 of 234), and SSTR1, SSTR2, and SSTR5 positivity in 84%(196 of 233), 72%(168 of 233), and 55%(128 of 232), respectively. COX2 overexpression was found to be positively correlated with Ki-67 labeling index and inversely correlated with the expression of SSTR subtypes. In addition, the expression of SSTR subtypes was tightly correlated in any comparative pairs. A significant inverse correlation was found between COX2 and SSTR2 expression in the foregut, but not hindgut NETs. Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that COX2 overexpression (p=0.003) and high Ki-67 labeling index (p<0.001) were associated with poor overall survival (OS), whereas expression of SSTR2 (p<0.001) was associated with better OS of GEP-NET patients. Multivariate analysis revealed negative SSTR2 expression as an independent prognostic marker in GEP-NET patients (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that expression of SSTR subtypes is associated with favorable prognosis, whereas COX2 overexpression is associated with poor prognosis in GEP-NETs. Taken together, COX2 could be a possible therapeutic target in some subsets of GEP-NETs.

Clinical Significance of Protein Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 and Somatostatin Receptors in Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the significance of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) overexpression and the expression of somatostatin receptor (SSTR) subtypes in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and forty-seven cases of GEP-NET, comprising 86 foregut and 156 hindgut primary NETs, and 5 metastatic NETs in the liver, were studied retrospectively with immunohistochemistry for COX2, chromogranin A, Ki-67, SSTR1, SSTR2, and SSTR5. RESULTS: COX2 overexpression was observed in 54%(126 of 234), and SSTR1, SSTR2, and SSTR5 positivity in 84%(196 of 233), 72%(168 of 233), and 55%(128 of 232), respectively. COX2 overexpression was found to be positively correlated with Ki-67 labeling index and inversely correlated with the expression of SSTR subtypes. In addition, the expression of SSTR subtypes was tightly correlated in any comparative pairs. A significant inverse correlation was found between COX2 and SSTR2 expression in the foregut, but not hindgut NETs. Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that COX2 overexpression (p=0.003) and high Ki-67 labeling index (p<0.001) were associated with poor overall survival (OS), whereas expression of SSTR2 (p<0.001) was associated with better OS of GEP-NET patients. Multivariate analysis revealed negative SSTR2 expression as an independent prognostic marker in GEP-NET patients (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that expression of SSTR subtypes is associated with favorable prognosis, whereas COX2 overexpression is associated with poor prognosis in GEP-NETs. Taken together, COX2 could be a possible therapeutic target in some subsets of GEP-NETs.

Radiolabeled somatostatin analogs for radionuclide imaging and therapy in patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NETs) are a rare type of cancer that can arise from the diffused endocrine system, located in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (carcinoids) and in the pancreas (insular tumors). Approximately 2% of all malignant tumours of the gastrointestinal system are GEP-NETs which can express somatostatin receptors. 111In-pentetreotide (octreoscan) and 68Ga-DOTA NOC (68Ga-labelled [1,4,7,10- tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid]-1-Nal3-Octreotide) are the commonly used radiopharmaceuticals for imaging. Once localized using 68Ga DOTA NOC or octreoscan, these tumours can be successfully targeted with radiolabelled somatostatin analogues. This review focuses on common nuclear medicine procedures used in both imaging and treatment of these tumors.

Immunoreactivity of Somatostatin Receptor Subtype 2 in Dorsal Root Ganglia in the Rat / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Somatostatin has been suggested to play a role in the transmission of neurotransmitters and in the modulation of pain. Of the different subtypes of somatostatin receptors 2, sstr2A and sstr2B are important in the modulation and transmission of pain. The present study was carried out to investigate sstr2 immunoreactivity in rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) cells at the L4-L6 levels of the spinal cord of 10 rats (Sprague-Dawley, 200-250 g) were examined for sstr2 by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In the control group, sstr2A immunoreactivity was strongly positive in the dense network within laminae I and II of the dorsal horn at spinal levels (L4-L6). In contrast to sstr2A, sstr2B immunoreactivity was observed throughout laminae III-VI. In the DRG, sstr2A and sstr2B immunoreactivities were mainly found in medium-sized neurons. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of sstr2A immunoreactive cells among sstr2 in the dorsal root ganglia (L4-6) resembles that of somatostatin. Incontrast to sstr2A, sstr2B immunoreactivity showed a different distribution. The presence of sstr2A at laminae I and II, and sstr2B at laminae III-VI of the dorsal horn may modulate sensory functions at these different regions of the spinal cord. Considering different actions according to the receptors of the neurotransmitter, the functions of the isoforms of sstr2 appear variable in terms of modulating and transmitting pain.

Differential Expression of Somatostatin Receptor Subtype 2 in Dorsal Root Ganglia after Ischemic Injury in the Rat / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The somatostatin has been suggested to play a role in the transmission of neurotransmitters and the modulation of pain. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the spatial and temporal alterations of sstr2 (somatostatin receptors 2) immunoreactivity after an ischemic injury in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-five rats (Sprague-Dawley, 200-250 g) were assigned to the experimental group, the other five to the control group. In the experimental group, an occlusion of the left common iliac artery was made using an aneurysm clip. Ten groups were classified according to the time after ischemiareperfusion. Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) cells in the L4, L5, L6 levels of the spinal cord, from the rats were examined the sstr2 using an immunohistochemistry technique. RESULTS: The sstr2A/B immunoreactivity (IR) appeared in the DRG after ischemia-reperfusion. The number of sstr2A- and sstr2B-IR neurons were markedly lower in the group of rats 12 hours after ischemia-reperfusion. In the group of rats one day after ischemia-reperfusion, the sstr2A- and sstr2B-IR neurons began to recover in both number and immunoreactivity. Furthermore, 3 days after ischemia-reperfusion, sstr2A/B immunoreactivity decreased in number and immunoreactivity, and 7 days after ischemia-reperfusion, very weak immunoreactivity was observed in the cytoplasm. CONCLUSION: The sstr2A/B immunoreactivity of the DRG exhibited different appearance according to the post-traumatic compartment syndrome or ischemic injury of the leg. In addition, the chronological alterations of sstr2A and sstr2B immunoreactivities may be important in controlling the pain after a transient ischemia-reperfusion event.

The utility of ~(99m)Tc-Sandostatin somatostatin receptor imaging in the evaluation of lung cancer / 医学研究生学报

Objective: To determine the noninvasive imaging efficacy of 99mTc-sandostatin scintigraphy for lung cancer. Methods: 57 consecutive patients with pulmonary nodules(PN) were studied with 99mTc-sandostatin scintigraphy.Planar imaging was obtained after injection of (991.6?187.59) MBq of 99mTc-sandostatin at 1.5-4 hour with GE Dual-head gamma camera(Millennium VG, Hawkeye ;General Electric Medical Systems) . SPECT images of the chest were performed at 4-6 h post injection. All scintigraphically detected lesions were confirmed by histopathological analysis and/or by other imaging modalities.Tumor to normal tissues ratios (T/N) were calculated . Results: Out of 57 patients ,47 were malignant tumors; 12 with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), 35 with non- small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). 10 had benign lesions. The sensitivity , specificity and accuracy of 99mTc-Sandostatin in detection of lung cancer were 95.7%, 90%, 94.7%, respectively. In two patients (pts) with pulmonary squamous cell cancer 99mTc-Sandostatin imaging was false negative. In 10 pts. with benign PN, 9 pts. was true negative, but one patient with tubercolama was false positive. T/N ratio was 3.43?0.66, 2.24?0.31 in SCLC and NSCLC respectively. The T/N ratio was higher in small cell lung cancer than NSCLC(t = 4.072 ,P